DREAM GIRL

CHAPTER THREE

Authors POV

As Monday morning arrived, the girls prepared for their lectures, completing their morning chores, praying, and dressing before eating breakfast. Zahra had cooked fried eggs and yam, her preferred task. After breakfast, they headed to school, attending their lectures at the large university that offered various courses.

After finishing their lectures at 2 pm, they went to the biggest restaurant on campus, where they were well-known for helping the owner, Mama D. Gadaffi, a young man who often teased Jeedarh, approached her, making her frown. He made rude comments, and when he mentioned her mother, Jeedarh bit his hand and hit him with a serving spoon before her friends intervened.

Mama D scolded Jeedarh, telling her to leave, and Gadaffi threatened to boycott the restaurant. As they left, a handsome man, Ashraf, approached them, introducing himself and asking to talk to Jeedarh. Despite initial reservations, Jeedarh gave him her contact information, and they talked until they fell asleep with the phone still connected.

Weeks passed, and Ashraf confessed his feelings to Jeedarh, who accepted. They started dating and having fun with her friends. When Jeedarh told her mom about Ashraf, she was happy and asked her to invite him over.

Three months into their relationship, Ashraf stopped calling, worrying Jeedarh. She found out he was hospitalized and rushed there with her friends. Ashraf was shocked to see them, and his parents were curious. Jeedarh was upset, feeling betrayed that Ashraf had kept his Sickle cell status from her. However, she reassured him that she loved him and wouldn't leave him. Ashraf's parents were introduced in an unexpected way, and Jeedarh left, feeling uneasy under their glare.

Ashraf's pov

I've been in the hospital for three weeks, and I'm worried about my little tigress, Jeedarh. I miss her so much, and I know she'll be worried about me. I turned off my phone so she wouldn't call me, but now I'm regretting it. I hope she's doing fine.

My friend Zahradin tapped me, breaking my thoughts. "Ashraf, what's wrong? You're thinking about Jeedarh, aren't you?" he asked, knowing me too well. I nodded, and he suggested I call her to put her mind at ease.

Just then, my parents arrived with my siblings, looking worried. My mom started crying, and I knew why I didn't want them to know I was in the hospital - her emotional drama. Zahradin intervened, telling them I need rest and will be discharged tomorrow.

But then, Jeedarh walked in, and I was shocked. She greeted my family, but my mom glared at her. Jeedarh came straight to me, hugged me tightly, and started laying kisses on my face. I was overwhelmed with emotion.

She scolded me for not contacting her and promised to never leave me, no matter what. I was taken aback by her words and felt grateful for her love. I told her I'm SS, and she smiled, saying it's not a big deal.

After she left, I couldn't stop grinning. I was happy despite my condition. We exchanged messages, and she promised to pick me up tomorrow. I couldn't wait to spend the day with her and eat her yummy food. I fell asleep with a smile on my face, feeling grateful for Jeedarh's love.

Jeedarh's pov

I've been feeling overwhelmed and emotional since we left the hospital. I've been crying silently in my room, trying to process everything. I'm still wondering why Ashraf didn't tell me about his condition sooner. Why did he think I would leave him? This is a lot to take in, and I'm worried about how my mom will react. She won't accept him again, especially now that we're serious. I'm worried about Ashraf's well-being and how he's feeling. I hope he's doing okay.

I decided to send him a good night message to check in and let him know I'll be picking him up tomorrow. I poured my heart out in the messages, telling him how much I care and that I'm there to support him. I hope I didn't overdo it, but he reassured me that my messages mean everything to him.

After our exchange, I finally felt a sense of relief and was able to sleep. But I couldn't shake off the feeling of missing him. I sent him another message, asking if I could pick him up at the hospital and promising to bring my food, which he's been missing. He agreed, and I couldn't wait to see him.

I went to the bathroom to freshen up and changed into comfortable clothes. When I met up with my friends, Zahra and Nabbeelarh, they were quiet and serious, giving me the space I needed. I knew they were worried about me and my relationship with Ashraf, but I was determined to make it work.

Authors pov

Jeedarh's friends, Nabbeelarh and Zahra, were eager to know the truth about Ashraf's condition. "So, Jeedarh, what's wrong with Ashraf?" Nabbeelarh asked, her voice laced with worry. Zahra's expression mirrored Nabbeelarh's concern.

Jeedarh took a deep breath before explaining, "Ashraf is SS, which means he falls sick often, about three times a year. He usually goes for check-ups in India once a year." Her friends exclaimed in shock, "What? He doesn't look like it at all! He's well-built and appears healthy."

Zahra asked, "Why didn't he tell you about this from the start?" Jeedarh replied, "He was scared of losing me." Nabbeelarh's expression turned angry, "Are you kidding me? He should have told you! No parent in their right mind would marry their child to a sickler. Jeedarh, you need to forget about him. He's not worth it. You'll end up being a widow!"

Zahra countered, "Nabbeelarh, stop it! You know how much Jeedarh and Ashraf love each other. Why are you saying such hurtful things?" Nabbeelarh scoffed, "Did you see how his mother glared at Jeedarh when she visited Ashraf's room? She even muttered 'stupid whore' under her breath. And you still want to marry him?"

Jeedarh intervened, "Please, stop arguing. I understand your concerns, but Ash is what matters to me. I love him, and we have dreams to fulfill together. Nothing can stop me from loving him or leaving him, especially now when he needs me most." Her friends sighed, and Jeedarh suggested they go to sleep, as it was already 12 am. With that, they retired to their beds, the tension lingering in the air.